West Bridgewater High football team seeks resurgence

WEST BRIDGEWATER – Being away from home is something with which the West Bridgewater High football team has become accustomed.

Due to construction of a new middle-senior school, the Wildcats will relocate their home games this year to Bridgewater-Raynham’s field, a move that began midway through last season.

“It’s something we’ve gotten used to because we were doing it the second half of last year,” said coach Bill Panos. “We’re getting pretty good at getting on a bus to go to practice, getting on a bus to go to home games, so I don’t think it will affect us much and we have a good following.”

After putting together five consecutive winning seasons from 2006-2010 – including a Super Bowl appearance in 2006 – the Wildcats have fallen on tough times with three consecutive losing seasons.

West Bridgewater had a chance to win the Mayflower Small League title last season but fell short after a trip on the ferry to Nantucket, 17-8.

“We had one game last year where we didn’t play well – no intensity – and that kept us out of the playoffs,” said Panos. “I don’t think that’s going to happen this year. I think they’ve learned their lesson.”

The Wildcats will be bolstered by the return of four of five starters from the offensive line from last season – Nicholas Hill, Joseph Diperri, Luke Frankel and Brady Royer.

“If your offensive line is strong enough, my grandmother can get yardage,” said Panos.

The strength in the big boys up front translates to the defensive side of the ball with Hill, Matthew Kafel, Paul Chiulli and Royer back.

On the offensive side of the ball, that experience (WB has 12 seniors) has been evident early in training camp.

“Having experience is huge,” said Panos. “On the first day that we started running offense ... it was like they started off where they left off.

“They all know (the offense) from last year.”

Senior Jonathan Gentile, who played quarterback last season, looks to be making the transition to running back and joining the secondary.

“It’s good and he can play anywhere,” said Panos. “We’re thinking about having him at halfback since he’s a good runner. That way we’ll use him on defense also.”

Sophomore Justin Lavoie will step into the quarterback role. Sophomore Joe Pereira will be the backup quarterback along with getting touches at halfback. Senior Andrew Gonatas will also get carries.

West Bridgewater will return key pieces in the secondary, but inexperience at linebacker will be a concern.

Austin Walsh will make the transition from the secondary to linebacker while junior Jason Emmons has impressed early.

“I think we’ll be competitive,” said Panos. “Our goals are always No. 1, minimize injuries. No 2, improve every week, improve every day. If we do that, the wins come and obviously we want to have a winning season, we want to get in the playoffs.”

Chris McDaniel can be reached at CMcDaniel@enterprisenews.com and followed on Twitter @ChrisMcDaniel88.